Review: Hotel Brandan, Tórshavn (Faroe Islands)

September 10, 2025

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Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

I recently enjoyed my first cruise holiday—a fabulous trip around Iceland and the Faroe Islands aboard the Seabourn Venture, the world’s most luxurious expedition cruise ship. You can read my trip reports here:

Today: Hotel Brandan, Faroe Islands

Nestled in the charming capital of the Faroe Islands, Hotel Brandan combines modern design with a focus on sustainability. This 4-star superior hotel offers a comfortable and stylish stay, with attention to detail evident in its modern architecture, curated artwork, and attentive service. Suitable for both leisure travelers exploring the Faroese landscapes and business visitors seeking a convenient urban base, Hotel Brandan provides a well-appointed and reliable option for accommodation in Tórshavn. Hotel Brandan is the sister resort of Hotel Hafnia, both owned by the same company.

Have you ever stayed at Hotel Brandan? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Hotel Brandan is located in the Gundadalur district, offering easy access to the town center of Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. Guests can reach cobblestone streets, local cafes, and boutique shops within a short walk, providing opportunities to experience everyday Faroese life. Cultural landmarks such as The Nordic House, known for its striking modern architecture, and The National Museum of the Faroe Islands are nearby, allowing visitors to explore the country’s history and art without a long commute. The hotel’s location also offers convenient access to natural attractions, including coastal viewpoints, cliffside walks, and scenic trails, making it a practical base for both urban exploration and day trips into the surrounding landscapes. This combination of city access and proximity to nature makes Hotel Brandan a well-situated option for travelers seeking a balanced stay in the Faroe Islands.

Hotel Brandan’s modern design combines minimalism with elements of traditional Nordic architecture. The exterior includes a large glass facade that allows natural light and provide views of the surrounding urban scenery, while the green roof reflects the hotel’s focus on sustainability. Inside, the decor of the lobby and other communal areas features clean lines, natural wood, stone accents, and a neutral color palette, creating a calm and uncluttered environment. Details such as custom furniture and thoughtfully positioned lighting draw subtle inspiration from the Faroe Islands’ landscapes, including its coastline, cliffs, and fjords. The overall design provides a functional and comfortable setting for guests, supporting a quiet, comfortable and relaxed stay.

Hotel Brandan features several artworks by Faroese artist Edward Fuglø, whose pieces are thoughtfully integrated throughout the property to reflect the islands’ culture and natural environment. Fuglø is renowned for his depictions of Faroese landscapes, wildlife, and everyday life, often capturing the dramatic cliffs, rugged coastline, and seabirds that are characteristic of the archipelago. In the hotel, his works are prominently displayed in guest rooms, corridors, and public areas, providing moments of visual interest and a connection to local heritage. The artworks complement the hotel’s minimalist Nordic design, adding warmth and cultural context without overwhelming the understated aesthetic.

Hotel Brandan has 124 spacious rooms, ranging from 18 to 38 square meters (approximately 194 to 409 square feet), offering a variety of options to suit different needs. Room categories include Standard, Superior, Deluxe, and suites, providing choices for solo travelers, couples, or those seeking extra space and comfort. Each room features modern amenities such as plush beds, smart TVs with Chromecast, and in-room coffee machines. The interiors are enhanced with artwork by local artists, reflecting Faroese culture and adding a sense of place. Sustainability is integrated throughout, with eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, and responsibly sourced furnishings, combining practicality with environmental consideration. The overall design emphasizes comfort, convenience, and a subtle connection to the local context.

Hotel Brandan’s (limited) wellness facilities, located one floor below the lobby, offer a combination of relaxation and fitness options. The area includes three heated outdoor hot tubs, providing a quiet space to unwind after a day of exploring Tórshavn and the Faroese landscape. The saunas, situated within the fitness suite, follow a traditional Nordic approach to relaxation, allowing guests to enjoy heat therapy in a quiet environment. The gym is equipped with eco-friendly machines, giving visitors the opportunity to maintain their exercise routines sustainably. The hotel’s wellness area is easy to navigate, with the hot tubs, saunas, and gym all close to each other, allowing guests to relax, use the sauna, or exercise as they wish.

Húsagarður is the on-site restaurant of Hotel Brandan, offering guests a convenient option for meals without leaving the property. The restaurant is named after the historic farmhouse, Húsagarður, which once stood in the field where the hotel is now located. The menu focuses on contemporary Nordic cuisine, emphasizing locally sourced and seasonal ingredients from the Faroe Islands. It features a mix of traditional Faroese dishes and modern interpretations, complemented by a selection of regional and international beverages. Each morning, the restaurant also offers a breakfast buffet for hotel guests. With a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, Húsagarður provides both hotel guests and visitors from Tórshavn with an accessible dining experience that highlights the flavors and culture of the Faroe Islands.

Hotel Brandan and Hotel Hafnia are both owned by the Faroese company Smyril Line. Smyril Line, primarily known for its ferry services in the North Atlantic, ventured into the hotel industry by acquiring Hotel Hafnia in 2018. Subsequently, in July 2020, they opened Hotel Brandan, a modern 4-star hotel and conference center in Tórshavn. Both hotels share a commitment to sustainability and have been awarded the Green Key certification, an international eco-label granted to businesses that exceed standards in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. While they are part of the same ownership group, each hotel maintains its unique identity and offers distinct experiences to guests (a boutique experience at Hotel Hafnia and a modern experience at Hotel Brandan).

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Hotel Brandan is not located in the town center, so guests need to walk about 15 minutes to reach the main shopping and dining areas. The return walk is uphill, which may be a consideration for those with mobility concerns or after a long day exploring. Also, the property is situated along a busy street in Tórshavn, which can result in some traffic noise for rooms facing the road. While the location provides easy access to attractions and a quieter setting than the town center, light sleepers may notice the street activity during peak hours.

Húsagarður, the on-site restaurant, is a very good dining option, offering contemporary Nordic cuisine with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. It provides convenient and enjoyable meals for hotel guests and visitors alike. That said, it does not (yet) compete with the very best fine-dining restaurants in Tórshavn (such as PAZ) or internationally. With some additional refinement, expanded creativity, and perhaps the pursuit of Michelin recognition, Húsagarður could elevate itself into a true gourmet destination, further enhancing the hotel’s appeal.

While the wellness facilities are thoughtfully designed and conveniently located one floor below the lobby, the spa, hot tubs, saunas, and gym are relatively modest in scale compared to full-service resort-style offerings. There is no swimming pool, and the hotel does not offer full spa treatments, which may be a consideration for guests seeking more extensive wellness amenities. The existing facilities still provide options for relaxation and exercise, but those looking for a comprehensive spa experience will need to seek alternatives outside the hotel.

Hotel Brandan is a modern 4-star property, offering quality design, amenities, and service. While it provides a comfortable and well-appointed stay, it has a somewhat corporate feel typical of a business hotel, with several functional meeting spaces and conference facilities. Travelers seeking true luxury or boutique indulgence will find it less opulent than most of the world-class hotels featured previously on this blog, but note that it is a 4-star property rather than a 5-star hotel. Overall, IMHO, it balances practicality and comfort, making it suitable for both business and leisure stays.

MY VERDICT

Location: 6/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: N/A
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 7/10
Service: 10/10
Wow factor: 7/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall experience: 7.7/10 – good

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a hotel like Hotel Brandan (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit the Faroe Islands is generally late May through early September, when the weather is mild, with average temperatures around 10–15°C (50–59°F), and the days are long, especially in June when daylight can last nearly 24 hours. This period is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, boat tours, and wildlife spotting, including puffins and whales. Shoulder seasons in May and September offer fewer crowds and slightly lower prices, though the weather can be more unpredictable. Winter, from October to April, is less favorable due to short daylight hours, frequent storms, and limited access to some remote areas, but it can appeal to those seeking dramatic landscapes and the chance to see the Northern Lights.

HOW TO GET THERE

Hotel Brandan is located at Oknarvegur 2 in the Gundadalur district of Tórshavn, about a 15-minute uphill walk from the town center. Visitors arriving from Vágar Airport (FAE) can reach the hotel by car in roughly 40–45 minutes, or by bus via Route 300 in about 50 minutes. Helicopter services also operate between the airport and Tórshavn Bodanes Heliport, taking around 12 minutes. Once in Tórshavn, the hotel is easily accessible on foot, though the return walk from the town center is uphill.